The Deschutes Land Trust has just released its summer tour schedule for Skyline Forest. From hikes, to mountain bike rides, to horse tours, these events will give the community a first-hand look at the forest the Land Trust has been working to protect since 2005. Tours are free and open to the public, but registration is required and tour size is limited.

Since 2005 the Deschutes Land Trust has been working to conserve Skyline Forest, a 33,000 acre former tree farm near Bend and Sisters. Historically known as the Bull Springs Tree Farm, Skyline Forest is considered by many in the recreational community to be Bend’s backyard. Surrounded by state and federal lands, Skyline Forest contains important wildlife habitat and protects the scenic green foothills that set off the Central Oregon Cascades. Skyline Forest is currently owned by Fidelity National Financial and these owners are in discussions with the Land Trust on how best to conserve Skyline Forest. Skyline Forest is not protected yet.

2010 Skyline Forest Tours:

JULY

Bull Springs Hike—Skyline ForestJuly 17, 9am-12pm

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Carol Wall on a three mile hike through Skyline Forest to get a firsthand look at the forest the Land Trust is working to protect. The hike follows Bull Creek with views of snow-capped mountains, followed by old growth Ponderosa, and a year-round spring. Registration is required; please call 541] 330-0017 to register. Visit our Current Events page for more information.

Mountain Bike Ride—Skyline ForestJuly 18, 9:30am-1pm

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Lee Goode, a Mountain Bike Trail Ambassador from Pine Mountain Sports, for an 8-12 mile mountain bike ride in Skyline Forest. This ride is open to riders of all levels and will be a great way to explore some of the current trails and imagine the great trail network that would be possible if the Land Trust can protect the forest. Bring your own bike and helmet. Registration is required; please call 541] 330-0017 to register. Visit our Current Events page for more information.

Bull Springs & Beyond Horseback Ride—Skyline ForestJuly 27, 11am-3pm

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Kim McCarrel for a guided 10 mile horseback ride. Kim, an author of several horse trail guide books, will lead a diverse tour around some of Skyline Forest’s most intriguing sites: Bull Springs, Snag Springs, and even a historic mill site. Bring your own horse and lunch. Registration is required; please call 541] 330-0017 to register. Visit our Current Events page for more information.

AUGUST

Three Creek Butte Hike—Skyline ForestAugust 7, 9am-12:30pm

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Carol Wall for a 2 mile hike up Three Creek Butte in Skyline Forest. This hike (similar to Pilot Butte in Bend) is in the western corner of Skyline Forest and will give participants a firsthand look at the forest the Land Trust is working to protect. Registration is required; please call 541] 330-0017 to register. Visit our Current Events page for more information.

Mountain Bike Ride—Skyline ForestAugust 29, 9:30am-1pm

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Lee Goode, a Mountain Bike Trail Ambassador from Pine Mountain Sports for a 8-12 mile mountain bike ride on Skyline Forest. This ride is open to riders of all levels and will be a great way to explore some of the trails already in existence and imagine the great trail network that is possible if the Land Trust is able to purchase the property and turn it into a Community Forest. 9:30am-1pm. Meet at Pine Mountain Sports at 9:30am, pick up a snack, bring your bike (or rent one from Pine Mountain Sports), and be prepared to caravan to the site. Bring water, extra snacks, your bike and be dressed to ride. Helmets and registration are required; please call 541] 330-0017 to register. Visit our Current Events page for more information.

SEPTEMBER

Three Creek Butte Horseback Ride—Skyline Forest

September 15, 11am-3pm

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Kim McCarrel for a guided 10-12 mile horseback ride. Kim, an author of several horse trail guide books, will lead folks to the summit of Three Creek Butte in Skyline Forest for breathtaking views of the forest and the Three Sisters. Bring your own horse and lunch. Registration is required; please call 541] 330-0017 to register. Visit our Current Events page for more information.

Skyline Forest HikeSeptember 23, 9am-12pm

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Leslie Olson for a hike through Skyline Forest to get a firsthand look at the forest the Land Trust is working to protect. The hike will be 3-5 miles and will explore the past use of Skyline Forest. Registration is required; please call 541] 330-0017 to register. Visit our Current Events page for more information.

OCTOBER

Skyline Forest HikeOctober 16, 9am-12pm

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Leslie Olson for a hike through Skyline Forest to get a firsthand look at the forest the Land Trust is working to protect. The hike will be 3-5 miles and will explore the past use of Skyline Forest. Registration is required; please call 541] 330-0017 to register. Visit our Current Events page for more information.

The Deschutes Land Trust conserves land for wildlife, scenic views, and local communities. As Central Oregon’s only nationally accredited and locally-based land trust, the Deschutes Land Trust has protected more than 7,700 acres in since 1995. For more on information on Deschutes Land Trust, contact us at (541) 330-0017.